What’s the Difference Between Functional Medicine Certifications through IFM, IFNA & FNA?
A common question we receive from potential students is, “How does the Funk’tional Nutrition Academy (FNA) differ from other online functional nutrition certification programs like Integrative & Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA) or The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)?”
Because we’ve had FNA students who have taken courses through these programs, we’re uniquely equipped to highlight some of those differences to help answer questions you might have.
The differences our students have found between IFNA & FNA.
Erin is a big fan of the Integrative & Functional Nutrition Academy and even attended the school herself! IFNA is great for someone who comes from a conventional background and is looking to dip their toe into learning about the functional approach without a deep commitment.
IFNA offers a pay-as-you-go model for their curriculum, so you can move through the modules on your own timeline. By comparison, FNA is offered as a live program where everyone is going through the curriculum together, and meeting as a group for (optional) live interactive classes and Q&As. We have found that FNA’s structure works best for those who struggle with holding themselves accountable.
If functional programs were a swimming pool, FNA would be the deep end.
In general, FNA offers much more in-depth information and curriculum than IFNA. Modules include THOROUGH lab trainings so you understand how to analyze specific functional lab testing and when to apply them in your practice. IFNA doesn’t cover labs, lab analysis, or how to put people on protocols.
FNA teaches you how to create protocols for your clients based on their symptoms and lab results (AND what to do if these protocols don’t work!) Live case studies are provided to learn how to communicate with clients AND help with application. FNA takes training a step further by teaching you how to troubleshoot tough cases—when you’ve done everything right, and it’s still not working.
Beyond the core curriculum, FNA also offers frequent live calls with Erin to ask questions directly, complimentary 1:1 lab review sessions to go over client labs and clinical cases as needed, and live master classes where you can ask questions to other practitioners, experts, and entrepreneurs.
FNA recognizes that while honing your clinical skills is paramount to success, there’s more to owning or starting a successful practice than just clinical knowledge. This is why FNA also includes unique business trainings to support practice growth AND personal transformation. With over 30 hours of modules about course development, you’ll learn how to create your unique method, offer more services, plus how to utilize mindset within the context of your functional nutrition practice.
The differences our students have found between IFM & FNA.
The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) curriculum is geared toward physicians, so much of their information is presented with physicians and physician needs in mind. The curriculum is protocol-based, elimination diet forward, and presents heavy, dense information without the clinical application.
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I like how FNA walks people through the basics—building a stable foundation in clinical practice—BEFORE jumping into labs.”
Hear from an FNA grad!
In FNA, we recognize that it only means so much to know something: you have to know how to APPLY the knowledge to affect any change with clients. This is why we’re heavy on deep knowledge AND clinical application. You’ll learn lab analysis with specific labs and have ample opportunity for comprehension. We also offer 1:1 support, live Q&As, monthly live master classes taught by other industry experts, and connection with other peers going through the program.
Clinical Application
“I had done all but one of the IFM Advanced Practitioner Modules when I signed up for FNA. I thought, IFM is great information, but I need more support in interpreting DUTCH tests. I wanted to learn more of the nitty gritty patient application piece.”
Because IFM is a credentialed program that offers CEUs, it’s not a program designed to help you interpret labs. For example, you don’t learn how to read a GI MAP or a DUTCH test. IFM also cannot talk about specific supplements or brands used in protocols like FNA does.
Schedule
IFM modules are delivered in live, 3-day conferences that are only offered once per year. If you are unable to attend live, you need to wait a full year to complete the module. There is no live replay available to folks who cannot attend live.
By comparison, with FNA you get to learn on your own schedule. If you don't understand a module, you can go back and rewatch it as many times as you need to fully understand the concepts that Erin is teaching.
1:1 Support
Although IFM goes deep, there is no hand holding or implementation; it’s just information. Hundreds of people attend the live modules at one time and only 30 minutes are allotted for Q&A. Unfortunately, the likelihood that your question will be answered is slim.
The beauty of FNA is that the cohort is purposefully kept to a manageable size. In FNA, you have ample opportunity to ask questions—to your peers and graduates in our FNA private community forum, to Erin in the Q&As, to Rachel in the lab review appointments, and even to visiting faculty in the monthly live master classes. FNA groups are kept small so everyone has the opportunity to get the support they need.
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Personally, I felt FNA helped me shine as a clinician and further my education simply because I was able to dive deeper into lab tests, learn the nitty gritty of DUTCH test, GI MAPs, and running my thoughts/protocols by another practitioner was really helpful. Sometimes it’s that collaborative work where we learn the most, and that's what the FNA offers.
— FNA grad
When all is said and done, both IFM and IFNA are quality programs that offer great functional nutrition education.
However,
if you’re looking to go beyond education and knowledge
if you’re looking for not just WHAT to do, but also HOW to do it
if you’re looking to regain control of your time
if you want to reach more people while still remaining authentic to yourself
if you want to learn how do more and be more WITHOUT burning out…
